For more than a century in the greater Red Bank area, the Salvation Army has helped needy neighbors throughout the community, and while the organization’s services are called upon all year long, the end-of-year holidays pose a special challenge to families who struggle to keep their loved ones fed and clothed — to say nothing of parents who wish only to put a smile on a child’s face at Christmastime.

Beginning next month, the Salvation Army Red Bank Corps will be accepting sign-up requests for 2016 Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance.

Requests for children’s clothing and toy gifts will be accepted from residents of Atlantic Highlands, Belford, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Fort Monmouth, Highlands, Keansburg, Leonardo, Lincroft, Little Silver, Locust, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Navesink, New Monmouth, Oceanport, Port Monmouth, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury, and Tinton Falls.

Applicants for assistance must sign up in person at the Salvation Army post at 180 Newman Springs Road in Red Bank. Dates and times for sign up are:

TUESDAYS October 11 and 18 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., and 1 – 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS October 13 and 20 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., and 1 – 3:30 p.m.

FRIDAYS October 14 and 21 • 1 – 7 p.m.

MONDAY October 17 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., and 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Applicants will be asked to bring photo identification (driver’s license, passport or state ID card); a birth certificate for each child being registered; proof of income for all of the adults in the household; a rent receipt, lease or mortgage statement, and proof of monthly expenses (such as utility bills). Families who are already receiving, or plan on receiving holiday assistance from another agency or organization may not apply.

Those who sign up will also be asked to specify correct clothing sizes for children (age 17 and under), as well as two Toy Wish requests per child (please request toys priced at no more than $35). While the Salvation Army strives to fulfill all children’s Toy Wishes to the best of our ability, please note that requests cannot be guaranteed. For additional information, call the Red Bank Corps at (732)747-1626.